ESPN and the National Football League have reached a non-binding agreement. Under this agreement, ESPN will acquire the NFL Network and its associated media properties in exchange for a 10 percent equity stake in ESPN. This significant deal includes the transfer of the NFL’s RedZone Channel and NFL Fantasy, which will be merged with ESPN Fantasy Football.
ESPN will take ownership and operational control of the NFL Network, planning to integrate it into its upcoming direct-to-consumer streaming service. Simultaneously, traditional cable and satellite distribution will be maintained. A second agreement involves the NFL licensing games, NFL RedZone, NFL Films programming, and other media content to ESPN.
The deal will see three additional NFL games per season air on the NFL Network, while four current ESPN games will shift to the NFL Network. The NFL Network will continue to broadcast seven games annually. The NFL will retain ownership of other media properties, such as NFL Films, NFL+, NFL.com, the NFL Podcast Network, the NFL FAST Channel, and official club sites. It will also maintain production of NFL RedZone and its digital distribution rights. The NFL’s RedZone Channel will join The Walt Disney Company’s distribution portfolio, enabling ESPN to offer it to pay television providers.
The combined fantasy platforms will become the official season-long fantasy football game of the NFL. The agreement aims to improve accessibility, broaden reach, and enhance the availability of football programming across various platforms, particularly ESPN's upcoming streaming service. “This deal helps fuel ESPN’s digital future,” said Jimmy Pitaro, chairman of ESPN. “Together, ESPN and the NFL are redefining how fans engage with the game.”
The transaction is contingent upon finalizing definitive agreement terms, securing league approval from NFL team owners, and satisfying other standard closing conditions. ESPN, 80 percent owned by ABC Inc., a Disney subsidiary, and 20 percent owned by Hearst, currently pays $2.7 billion annually for its “Monday Night Football” rights. Under its current NFL agreement, ESPN will broadcast Super Bowls following the 2026 and 2030 seasons.
The NFL had considered selling its 24/7 network due to operational costs and the increasing value of its long-term media rights contracts. While discussions took place with other potential buyers, ESPN emerged as the preferred partner.